The Eagles of Nice win 2-0 against the Phoenix of Reims, in style and without conceding a goal, a first this season. The Nice club secures a third consecutive victory and strengthens its third place in the standings. The Nice Hockey team is looking upward more than ever.
The trap game, that’s what the people from Nice expected. Reims is a mid-table team not to be underestimated. This season, the Phoenix are stirring things up in this very balanced Division 1. The first period begins, and from the first seconds, the goalkeepers are already being tested. It’s a game full of intensity, dominated by Reims, but Nice can count on its goalkeeper, Sedlacek, flawless. The first period ends with a score of 0-0.
“We got walked over in the first period, we watched them play too much. We knew that Reims wanted to redeem themselves after their defeat last week against Anglet,” analyzes Yoanne Lacheny, forward for Nice Hockey.
Returning from the lockers, Nice decided to take control of the game. After multiple saves, the Reims goalkeeper is beaten by a top-corner strike from Yoanne Lacheny (32nd minute, 1-0). The Eagles then do it again with 10 seconds left in the second period. Karri Koivu finishes a team play (39th minute, 2-0). The team in form shows up ready.
The third and final period remains scoreless, and Nice Hockey wins against the Phoenix of Reims. Nice also owes its victory to the man of the match, its goalkeeper Sedlacek, unbreakable. This young Czech, 22 years old, had his biggest game of the season and allows his team for the first time in the championship to finish a game with zero goals conceded.
“Sedlacek was excellent, he brought out a great game for us. After their 9-2 defeat against Anglet, we knew that Reims would attack and we managed to stay very focused defensively not to concede a goal. We showed great concentration,” explains Yoanne Lacheny.
This victory allows Nice to consolidate their third place with 16 points and to be tied on points with Bordeaux, second. The objective of the first half of the season is achieved, the top 4 is reached even though there is still an away match at Mulhouse next week to conclude the half of the championship.
“The goal is now the top 4 before Christmas. Today, we are well-positioned but we need to confirm. Moreover, in December, we have 3 consecutive home games. We want and we will show that we will be present till the end,” concludes the Eagles’ forward, who has scored 6 goals since the beginning of the season.
Kevin Chifflet
